we hope for better things; it shall rise from the ashes.

A lot of people don't know that this is the Detroit motto. Translated from the Latin: Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus.

The Packard Plant opened in 1903 as among the largest and most modern manufacturing plant in the world. An estimated 3.5 million square feet hummed with industry, as the now-storied American autoworker assembled the elegant cars, known for their beauty and engineering. The plant was shuttered in 1956 and became a place for graffiti artists, rave parties, metal scavenging thieves and urban exploring photographers.

In 2010, British graffiti artist Banksy left his mark inside the building and I was able to find it before it was mysteriously removed one week later. [see image here]

In March 2012, we learned that the ruins would be fenced off for demolition withing days. So we headed down for one last tour, camera in hand.

Despite enjoying the Packard for all of its glorious photo and romantic UrbEx opportunities, it can't be saved and reused so I am glad that we are working to better my Detroit... with a wrecking ball where necessary.